The Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI), the country’s largest business group, added its voice to the growing list of organizations urging the signing into law of the Open Access in Data Transmission Act or Konektadong Pinoy, but with clear regulatory framework to ensure Filipino consumers benefit from greater choices and better-quality service and address long-standing issues of slow and expensive internet in the country.
In a statement, the chamber expressed its full and unequivocal support for the said measure, which it cited as a landmark legislation that will transform the country’s digital infrastructure landscape by promoting faster, more reliable, and more affordable internet connectivity for all Filipinos.
“We commend the Konektadong Pinoy Bill for streamlining processes and eliminating outdated barriers that have long hindered the entry of new players into the internet service market,” PCCI President Enunina Mangio said.
“By opening the sector to more qualified providers and encouraging healthy competition, this law will bring much-needed investments in digital infrastructure and expand internet access, especially in underserved and remote communities,” Mangio added.
The PCCI emphasized that the entry of more ICT infrastructure players will benefit Filipino consumers by giving them greater choices and better-quality service, addressing long-standing issues of slow and expensive internet in the country.
However, the organization also stressed the need for a clear, comprehensive, and well-enforced regulatory framework to accompany the liberalization of the sector. While welcoming the removal of the legislative franchise requirement for data transmission service providers, the PCCI underscored the importance of safeguards to ensure only capable and responsible entities are allowed to operate.
“Open access must not come at the cost of our national security or the integrity of our critical digital infrastructure,” PCCI emphasized.
PCCI further stressed, “We urge that the Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) be crafted with transparency and foresight, and that the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) be fully empowered to enforce strong oversight, with clear criteria for approving and monitoring service providers.”
The PCCI concluded by reaffirming its commitment to working with policymakers, regulators, and industry stakeholders to ensure that the Open Access in Data Transmission Act becomes a cornerstone for inclusive, secure, and sustainable digital connectivity for all Filipinos.
